News Release

Temporary Closure for a Portion of Brooks River October 2021

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News Release Date: October 5, 2021
Contact: Mark Sturm, [phone]

King Salmon, AK – Katmai National Park and Preserve, – Under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent, is initiating a temporary closure on the Brooks River between Brooks River falls and the elevated bridge across the Brooks River. Initially this closure will begin today October 5, 2021 at 8:00 PM Alaska Daylight time and last 72 hours but may need to be extended in duration or area as needed to maintain public safety.

This closure is necessary to prevent unsafe interactions between bears and park visitors. Bear activity in the river this fall is very high, and the resulting bear movement precludes human access without inadvisably close contact with bears along and within the river. This temporary closure will ensure the safety of visitors, park staff, and wildlife.

Visitor access remains open to the rest of the Brooks River above the Falls and below the bridge, as well as in other areas of the park. However, if other locations see similar conflicting high levels of visitor activity where bear activity precludes that access, the closure may be adjusted to prevent those conflicts as well.

When visitors are accessing the river in bear country, extra care and responsibility is required to protect people, wildlife, and the experience. At minimum, visitors should keep 50 yards between themself and all bears. When fishing in the river, visitors should stop and move away well before a bear approaches within 50 yards. Continuing to engage in any fishing activity within 50 yards of a bear is prohibited. When water conditions make these guidelines difficult or impossible to follow, visitors should plan their activities accordingly to avoid additional impact on bears’ access to the river. Additional information about fishing in the Brooks River is found at https://www.nps.gov/katm/planyourvisit/fishing-brooks-river.htm

For more information on the temporary closure and alternative recreating areas, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/katm.

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